National Baby Food Festival back for silver spoon ... er, anniversary

Chronicle file photoAidan Swiatlowski of Grand Haven, who was 7, took part in the 2008 National Baby Food Festival Bike Decorating Contest.

FREMONT – Voted one of the top 10 wackiest events in the United States, the Newaygo County community of Fremont continues to embrace its National Baby Food Festival.

TripAdvisor.com, an online travel site, recently announced that this week's 25th annual festival ranked ninth on its list of 10 Wackiest Summer Events. The list was later acknowledged on national TV.

“It pretty much blew me away,” said Lina Strong, festival coordinator. “I was really surprised and felt very honored to have the festival receive recognition. To know that it was actually mentioned and talked about on (NBC's) 'Today Show' was even more amazing.

“There have been a lot of positive things happening for the festival this year, recognition wise,” she added. “The festival also appears in a hardcover book called ‘Amazing Festivals,’ and there were only seven in Michigan chosen.”

The theme for this year's Baby Food Festival is “Totally 80s,” with everything from the 1980s — including parade marshals Scooby Doo and his gang. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Fremont Middle School, 500 Woodrow.

“The thing I love most about the parade is the moment before kickoff when everyone is ready to go and you look out and see thousands of people lining the streets,” said Jen Prewitt, parade chair.

“I look forward to seeing the little kids. I love to see floats with the little ones on there.”

The festival offers events for big kids as well. They include the Adult Baby Food Eating Contest (which put Fremont on the “wacky” map) at 4 p.m. Saturday, the Cruise-In car show (5 p.m. Friday), concerts and more.

A karaoke competition will take place 7-9 p.m. Thursday at the amphitheater in Veterans Memorial Park. Prizes will be awarded for the best song with the word “baby” in it, and the best attire to match the song.

“I just love listening to all the different talent that comes out. Some of them really get into it. They get into it even more when people are cheering them on,” said Diane Smith, entertainment co-chair.. “It’s kind of like ‘American Idol.’ You get a mix of the ones who can sing and the one who ... not so much.”

Following Thursday's karaoke will be a free concert by Christian music singer Nate Feuerstein.

Other nightly entertainment at the amphitheater includes: Michael Maher at 7 p.m. Wednesday ($5), Da Yoopers at 7 p.m. Friday ($10-$12). Blue Oyster Cult will play at 8 p.m. Saturday with the Grand Rapids band Mid-Life Crisis opening the show ($20-$25).

Chronicle file photoBlue Oyster Cult opened for REO Speedwagon at Muskegon Summer Celebration in 2008. The band is playing the National Baby Food Festival on Saturday.

Sunday’s Worship in the Park, a nondenominational church service, is at 6:30 p.m. with special guest John Berry.

“It’s a large festival that primarily has events and entertainment geared toward families and children,” said Strong. “You don’t see that a lot of places. We have a lot of events that cater toward children. There’s a lot to do from babies to adults.”